Possible Relocation To Bloomington (Indianapolis, Monroe: appointed, fit in, rental)

[Big Red]

I'm a single, 28 year old guy looking at a position at IU.

I know Bloomington, like many Big Ten cities, is a huge college town. I went to school at a big public universities in a small town and I can't imagine moving back now. My worry is moving to a small college town is that everything (restaurants, bars, etc.) is geared toward either college students or families.

Can anyone speak to that?

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by Big Red

I'm a single, 28 year old guy looking at a position at IU.

I know Bloomington, like many Big Ten cities, is a huge college town. I went to school at a big public universities in a small town and I can't imagine moving back now. My worry is moving to a small college town is that everything (restaurants, bars, etc.) is geared toward either college students or families.

Can anyone speak to that?

Your worry is valid. Move to Indianapolis.

[Frey Guy]

Agreed with poster above, Bloomington or B-town is not a huge college town. Most of the young professors live in Indy and just commute although it'll take you an hour + depending on where in Indy you live.

Everything is geared towards college students, I've heard different numbers but without students its only like 40-50k people, so its pretty small.

Still if I were in your spot, I mean there r still a lot of grad and law students who'd be in your age range and a few biz in Bloomington that would have "older" young people. With how much gas is now, commuting that much will take major $ and take a lot of your time. My roommate is 25 and a pilot and likes living here as a professional, although he doesnt' mind hitting on the undergrades. If u live a few miles away from the univiserty rent is really cheap. But it really depends what you want.

[alison]

If you're not willing to look around... all you'll see is IU related stuff. But really, Bloomington has a lot to offer, and the college brings in a lot of culture to the city. Sure it is a smaller town with out IU, but in the summer it is a nice break from the more crowded school year.

I recently faced with a decision of living in a small town, near my job, or having a daily commute from a bigger city. After adding up gas prices it is more economical to go to big cities on the weekends or even one night during the week rather than drive the long commute daily.

I love bloomington, both as a student and a graduate. Let me know if you need more suggestions on what bloomington has to offer.

[Chelle]

Bloomington is geared towards students, it is also a very liberal place to live. If you have conservitive views it might not be the right place for you.

[aims44]

I am sick of hot, expensive, intolerant Texas. I visited Bloomington years ago. You said you know about this city? Is it easy to find a job there? Is cost of living reasonable? Are the winters harsh? Is this a nice artsy town or a mean military city like the one I live in Texas? What's a "hoosier"? Is the water good up north? Are the people nice? Well enough of my questions.
I liked Bloomington a lot when I went up there on a business trip -- too bad I didn't have the time to enjoy the town more. Thanks for reading!!

[aims44]

To Alison --
I'm aims44 and the one looking to move to Bloomington. "B-town" I like that. I am an 27 year old college grad who has been struggling to make it in Texas. I have bent over backwards to find jobs, and all I can do is work at McDonald's -- BUMMER! It's hot here. People here are close-minded, even at UTSA (Texas University). I was very disappointed w/ school, but I finished my degree in mediaeval literature nonetheless. I do not fit in here in TX, but I only live here because I am living w/ my folks -- BUMMER! Well, I am ready to strike out on my own, and after online research and a few phone calls, a fond memory of my visit to Bloomington a few years back, I really would like to move to B-town. Rent is reasonable, too -- BONUS!! I am a simple person; I don't need much, but I absolutely must be able to express myself musically and in arts. I have hopes that B-Town will give me the confidence I need to live up to my fullest potential as a cultured, educated, eloquent musician and teacher. Is B-town the warm artsy town I imagine, or is it like the intolerant, expensive big cities in TX?

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by aims44

To Alison --
I'm aims44 and the one looking to move to Bloomington. "B-town" I like that. I am an 27 year old college grad who has been struggling to make it in Texas. I have bent over backwards to find jobs, and all I can do is work at McDonald's -- BUMMER! It's hot here. People here are close-minded, even at UTSA (Texas University). I was very disappointed w/ school, but I finished my degree in mediaeval literature nonetheless. I do not fit in here in TX, but I only live here because I am living w/ my folks -- BUMMER! Well, I am ready to strike out on my own, and after online research and a few phone calls, a fond memory of my visit to Bloomington a few years back, I really would like to move to B-town. Rent is reasonable, too -- BONUS!! I am a simple person; I don't need much, but I absolutely must be able to express myself musically and in arts. I have hopes that B-Town will give me the confidence I need to live up to my fullest potential as a cultured, educated, eloquent musician and teacher. Is B-town the warm artsy town I imagine, or is it like the intolerant, expensive big cities in TX?

Well, IU has one of the top rated music schools in the world, so their fine arts offerings are fantastic. You'd probably be able to settle into a group that you would like. Bloomington is a great town. I really enjoyed myself there.

[rrah]

Bloomington is a fantastic little city. Aims44 I'll try to answer your questions. I've currently lived here for 5 years as an "adult" with a family. I also received a couple of degrees from IU so I've experienced Bloomington and Monroe County from a couple of different perspectives. It's different as an adult with children than a student, but still a great place to live. Water is not really an issue here like it is in the west or other parts of the country. Harsh winters are pretty relative. I spent most of my life in the Chicago area so winters here are very tolerable--usually less snow and far fewer below zero days. This is a very tolerant place to live. People come from all over the world to attend IU, and thus even the locals, for the most part, understand that people are different. Within the city limits people are pretty liberal. Out of the city people tend to be a bit more conservative but still pretty tolerant. There are lots of ways to fit in here. Artistically and musically I think you would love it. My favorite thing to do is the Lotus World Music Festival in the fall--sort of a series of street concerts with venues throughout the downtown area. Jobs can be tricky. Many former students love it here so much that they chose to stay. There are many underemployed people because such a large portion of the population has a degree. Honestly I don't think you could live here on a minimum wage job, but that's just my opinion. To summarize, I think you would really like Bloomington, but the big issue will be a job. Please feel free to contact me if you need further info.

[Nikao77]

Hi rrah:

I have considered moving to Bloomington (will prob attend IU there PT) but since you say that finding work in the area is difficult, I would like to know if you can suggest rental areas close enough to commute to Bloomington but with better job prospects. I'm relocating from NJ and I would like to live somewhere between Indianapolis and Bloomington. I'm single, 30+, no childern and like outdoor sports. Swimming, biking, riding etc. and need to find a decent paying job as well as a great place to live. Any ideas?
Thanks!